Item Y/EDU/5/2/2 - Flyer

Identity area

Reference code

Y/EDU/5/2/2

Title

Flyer

Date(s)

  • 11 November 1881 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1 item

Context area

Name of creator

(1827-1892)

Administrative history

The first public meeting of the promoters of the 'York Mechanics Institution' took place on 21 June 1827 at the Red Lion Inn, Monkgate. The reason for the foundation of the institution was so that 'an Institute be formed in York for the diffusion of useful knowledge amongst the middle and working classes of society.' A committee was formed with the task of finding suitable premises for the library and to arrange a lecture programme for members.

In its early years the library was situated in a small room in Bedern, and by 1843 it had 1,500 volumes in its library. In 1846 the library moved to new premises in St Saviourgate, and remained at this site until its purpose built premises in Clifford Street were completed in 1885. The foundation stone of the latter building was laid by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).

The activities of the Institution included classes in art and science, an evening continuation school, lectures and a gymnasium, as well as a library and news room, but the library was the most popular department. The Institution's income was raised from subscriptions, fees and charges for activities or the letting of rooms. Unfortunately, the move to the Clifford Street premises did not increase public support for the Institution by as much as had been expected. The Secretary, Arthur Furnish, found that the Institution was in serious debt through its building fund, but still strived to make it a success.

In 1887, Queen Victoria's Jubilee year, York first suggested the idea of a free public library. The discussions which took place caused a reduction in the number of subscriptions to the Institution and discouraged further donations to the building fund. Despite this, in that year the library had a collection of 10,000 volumes and in the previous year had issued 33,449 books. When the public library suggestion was eventually shelved, the Institution had a new lease of life and membership once again began to increase. Funds, however, were still low and there were regular appeals for additional donations.

In 1891 City of York Council founded a Technical School in the city, which marked the end of the school at the Mechanics' Institution. The committee opened negotiations with the council and agreed to hand over the Clifford Street building for the sum of £4,100, the value of the library's outstanding debt. The council initially took over the instruction classes and leased the library, news room and central hall back to the Institution, however when it adopted the Public Libraries Act in 1892, the leased facilities were absorbed into the council function. The Library and its fittings were handed over to the council along with around 6,000 of the Institution's books. The Secretary, Arthur Furnish, also became the first City Librarian at the new public library.
Folded in 1891 due to outstanding debts due to the City Council. Its building and assets were acquired by the council in lieu of the debt and in 1893 went to form part of the Public Library collections, although there was no continuity of operations between the two organisations. The Clifford Street premises became the first premises of the new Public Library.

Content and structure area

Scope and content

The flyer is entitled 'Mr. George Leeman's Last Words to his Fellow Citizens.'

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open

Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.

Conditions governing reproduction

Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Allied materials area

    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

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    Related descriptions

    Notes area

    Alternative identifier(s)

    legacy

    YO27.4

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    Description control area

    Accession area